The Jammie Award-winning Kalamazoo hip hop/soul ensemble delivers a thought-provoking, boundary-pushing roster of faves to pump up the week at Local Spins. Listen to the tracks, watch the videos.
Today’s video roundup is topped by Friday’s furious night of fundraising blues at the Tip Top Deluxe, plus songs by Sweet Water Warblers, Full Cord Bluegrass, American Hotel System and Upon Wings. Check out all the videos in this week’s edition of “music on the silver screen.”
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Wicks performed two new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by In the Valley Below, Steve Rivers, Full Cord, August, Kanin, Stephie James and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, learn more about Dale Wicks and his new album.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Popular Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones whipped up a Top 10 roster of group members’ favorite songs during the current coronavirus pandemic, from D’Angelo to Thundercat. Watch the videos, listen to the Local Spins playlist on Spotify.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
The Detroit-area artist with roots in West Michigan topped the April chart of most-played local and regional albums at WYCE-FM. Learn more about Burch, watch a video of a new song, see who else made the Top 5 and listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
With COVID-19 wiping out live shows and downtown’s Festival of the Arts, May 15 is the deadline for local artists and performance groups to submit short videos for the Virtual Arts Festival. WOODTV.com will live-stream accepted entries the first weekend in June. Get details and the link for submitting videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
In an interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos, Nathan Kalish opens up about his new album, cooking for himself, and the way the coronavirus has ravaged the music industry. Learn more about the West Michigan-bred Kalish and listen to songs from his latest release. And he plays a live-stream concert tonight.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Jammie Award-winning Bootstrap Boys put their heads together (virtually) for this week’s Local Spins playlist to pay homage to John Prine, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and a few unexpected artists like Orville Peck. Check out the videos and listen to all the songs via Local Spins’ Spotify playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The Grand Rapids musician was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Kid Icarus, John Davey, Pink Sky/Stitxhes, Alluvial Fans and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on The Soods with video and the full radio show podcast.
Local Spins rolls out eight new Michigan-bred music videos for those trying to stay entertained during a pandemic that’s quarantined many and gotten us antsy for fresh material — including another COVID-19 parody. Check out the musical action from a diverse set of artists.
This week, we asked Jammie Award winner and Local Spins’ Emerging Artist of the Year Jordan Hamilton to give us his top songs to get through the COVID-19 quarantine. An intriguing roster of tunes to be sure, from hip hop to jazz and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Kalamazoo cellist’s playlist on Spotify.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Although he doesn’t want to “lose the blues,” the 19-year-old Kershaw showed off another side to his music for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including Desmond Jones, Chris DuPont, Dawning, Chris Canas, Vagabonds, Justin Wierenga and more. Learn more about Kershaw, watch a video of him performing a new song and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
With Earth Day approaching, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla created a special soundtrack of songs to get us contemplating the state of our environment. Welcome to Tuesday’s Local Spins Playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the riveting songs at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Guitarist-singer Bill Chesney’s second album was spotlighted for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Strawberry Heritage, Stormo, Bedroom Ceilings, Dale Wicks and Landsailors. Learn more about Stepladders, watch a video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Several weeks into this COVID-19 crisis, we need some tension-relieving music. And Michigan artists — new and old — supply the perfect soundtrack to lift our spirits, courtesy of this week’s Local Spins playlist. Check out the songs by the likes of Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, May Erlewine, Jack White, The Accidentals and The War & Treaty, and why they made our Tuesday list.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer-guitarist chatted about his music and performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Wuzee, Lybrandt, Celeste Allison, Further Closer, Analog Kid and more. Learn more about Weber, check out a video of his performance and listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
The well-known radio personality has partnered with Big Event Studios to showcase videos of regional and national stars in a rustic freight elevator, starting with local legend Bobby Haggard. The story and video at Local Spins.
In Memoriam · Playlists · Videos
After a battle with COVID-19, folk and Americana icon John Prine passed away on Tuesday. This is Local Spins’ musical tribute to one of the country’s most influential artists. Listen to some of his most memorable songs; watch videos of his performances.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
This week’s Local Spins playlist inspired by the coronavirus crisis honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who are helping heal the nation under dire circumstances — 16 songs featuring classics by Dr. Dre, Grace Potter, Bush, Jackson Browne, Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, Motorhead and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
The album inspired by iconic jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt topped an all-new roster of popular Michigan releases, which also included Via Mardot, Pink Sky, Darcy Wilkin and Seth Beck. Learn more about Djangophonique, view the complete chart and listen to songs from all of the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The indie-rock/pop group was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Nathan Kalish, Further Closer, Nathan Walton, Basic Comfort, Bedroom Ceilings, Michael Beauchamp-Cohen & Brian Koenigsknecht, Stevie Reidz and Archie & The One Hits. Learn more about Political Lizard and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The band wants singers to take video and record themselves as they croon along to a track, then submit their parts as a “virtual choir” for use in the Earth Radio song and a new video. Check out details and sing along to Earth Radio’s song at Local Spins.
Local Spins asked Michigan musicians to submit songs inspired by the COVID-19 crisis — humorous as well as heartfelt. They responded with a passel of tunes. Check out the winning video and all of the entries. And one Grand Rapids record label has released a two-volume set of ‘quarantine jams.’ Watch the videos and listen to the songs at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Videos
Viewers across the globe tuned in to the four-day live-streamed festival hosted by the Michigan Music Alliance with sets by 40 artists who broadcast from their own homes. The alliance kicks off a new online concert series tonight. See how many people watched the performances and get details about the Michigan Music Alliance’s fundraising efforts at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
After multiple rounds of auditions, the Byron Center singer — “a guy with long hair that likes to belt” — went to Hollywood as a contestant on America’s most well-known music competition, and got a brief brush with the national TV spotlight before being sent home. The story of 27-year-old West Michigan singer-songwriter Nathan Walton’s journey through “American Idol.”
With Michiganders stuck at home, songwriters have the time and the perfect opportunity to comment on the coronavirus crisis musically. We want to hear those songs (and we’ve got a few more spoof videos here for inspiration). Local Spins plans to compile the best of these Michigan music videos, with one artist winning a special gift package.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and debuted new tracks by The Legal Immigrants, American Hotel System, Ohly, Martyr for Madison and more. Learn more about Hansen, watch a video of her performing a new song and listen to the full radio show podcast.
It’s actually the perfect talent show contest for a coronavirus pandemic: Hundreds of bands from across the country are submitting videos from their own homes in NPR’s annual competition, with a big Great Lakes State contingent. View more than 30 video entries from Michigan bands and solo artists at Local Spins.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Due to the current crisis, musicians have a lot of time on their hands. And that means some of them have come up with hilarious takes on our response to the unprecedented situation and witty ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. And face it: We all need a chuckle right now.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The Grand Haven singer and guitarist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Public Access, Cole Hansen, Nicholas James Thomasma, Sugartone Noise Company, Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble, Sean Miller and more.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
The coronavirus pandemic that’s canceled hundreds of concerts has sparked a flood of online shows by artists who play for at-home audiences. And Local Spins has started a new calendar listing to spotlight those shows. Get the lowdown on this growing trend and watch some recent live-streamed shows.
With folks self-quarantining and social-distancing — and virtually all live music entertainment shut down — Local Spins asked writer Troy Reimink to supply a stay-at-home soundtrack for the viral apocalypse. Watch the videos and listen to the Spotify playlist.
The Colorado bluegrass band with W. Michigan ties scrapped weekend Listening Room shows in Grand Rapids due to the COVID-19 crisis. But you can listen to songs they would have played live in this Local Spins playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Beck performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Loren Johnson, Odd Space, Greet Death, NOMAD, Vagabonds and Mannhattan. The story, in-studio video and radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The festival moves to Detroit’s Historic Fort Wayne Park for the July 25-26 weekend with Kaytranada, Purity Ring, Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers, Orville Peck and more on board. Pre-sale passes go on sale Friday. See the full lineup and watch new videos from some of this year’s featured performers.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Featuring two Kent County natives, the Colorado-based bluegrass band plays two straight ‘homecoming’ shows this weekend at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room. Read the Local Spins interview and watch videos of the band ahead of the weekend run.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-rock band was this week’s in-studio guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Sweet Water Warblers, Stepladders, Political Lizard, Monte Pride, Cole Hansen and more. Learn more about The Blue Pines, watch their in-studio video and listen to the March 6 radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After being showcased Monday by Paste Magazine in New York City, the Traverse City alt-folk heroes hit the road for Leland, Kalamazoo and Fort Wayne this week with a chance for fans to get involved in their new recording. Get the details at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The August festival outside Wellston, Mich., will also feature the likes of Sweet Water Warblers, Michigan Rattlers, Luke Winslow-King, The Go Rounds and more. See the full roster of performers at Local Spins and watch recent videos of the headliners. Tickets are now on sale.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The Grand Rapids rock band fronted by an 18-year-old high school senior was featured during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE and plays Tip Top Deluxe tonight. The story and in-studio video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the band’s U.S. tour set to stop at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Sunday, Local Spins chatted with co-lead singer Noelle Scaggs about touring, the new album and her influences. Check out the interview and some of the band’s latest videos.
The well-known bassist and Lowell native who performed with Nathan Kalish, Al & The Black Cats and DangerVille passed away unexpectedly on Monday. Read more about Eric Soules at Local Spins. A memorial celebration will take place in Ionia on Friday.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Making its debut at Listening Room for the Local Spins Michigan Mondays series, the Kalamazoo psych-pop/rock band fired up new tunes and old classics for an attentive, enthused crowd. The recap, photo gallery and video of The Go Rounds performing a new tune, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 15-year-old Michigan singer with a big voice and a bright future played this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Lady & Gentleman, Pretoria, Singing Lungs, Dennie Middleton, Cameron Blake, Mark Harrell and Deerfield Run. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast and learn more about the up-and-coming Jacobsen.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Thousands filled The Intersection on Friday to celebrate the best regional music of the year with impressive performances on three stages. Browse highlights from the big night in words, photos and a star-studded video.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Videos
West Michigan’s biggest night of music packed The Intersection with performers and fans on Friday night, with awards presented to the best releases of 2019. View the full winners’ list at Local Spins along with a photo gallery from the big event.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Jammie Award-nominated Lansing singer-songwriter performed a couple of her singles for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks and previewed performances at Friday night’s awards show. Check out the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Videos
The Local Spins award for 2019 goes to the Kalamazoo hip hop cellist who’s turned heads everywhere he’s played. Learn more about Jordan Hamilton’s meteoric rise in this Artist Spotlight and watch a video from a recent performance at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Amid sold-out shows this week, the super-group of May Erlewine, Rachael Davis and Lindsay Lou took time out to reflect on the “real magic” of their project for Local Spins. Learn more about this Michigan-bred phenomenon and the group’s upcoming album, and watch a video of a recent a cappella performance.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Videos
In a sneak preview to its 2020 concert series, Meijer Gardens today announced four shows to whet the appetite of fans. Details at Local Spins.
